Transfer Of Printing Or Design Patents (Class 156/240)
  • Publication number: 20040084136
    Abstract: A method of using an overlay (310) to verify or form folding, embossing, or rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer (145); laminating a plastic sheet (260) with the imaged receiver sheet thereby encapsulating the image; removing the support layer forming an overlay with an electrostatic charge; and using the overlay to verify or form a folding, embossing, or rule die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, William L. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 6726982
    Abstract: Thermal transfer articles of the invention comprising a carrier, optionally a release layer, a color layer releasably adhered thereto, and optionally an adherence layer on the bottom side of the color layer. Also graphic imaging compositions and methods for thermal transfer using such articles and compositions and graphic articles made by such methods. The transfer articles 1) exhibit thermoplastic, low cohesive properties during transfer such that good image resolution and transfer is achieved and 2) are radiation crosslinked after transfer such that a durable image is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul D. Christian, Nancy H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6723197
    Abstract: A liquid pressure transfer printing on a steering wheel rim of an automobile, using a transfer printing sheet having different patterns or brightness at left and right sides, is achieved by preparing a transfer printing sheet for a front surface where patterns having a predetermined shape are arranged at all positions corresponding to transfer printing positions on the front surface of the steering wheel rim, using computer graphics, so that the patterns can be concurrently transfer-printed at transfer printing positions, preparing transfer printing sheets for part of a rear surface where patterns of a predetermined shape are independently arranged to correspond to positions of the patterns of a predetermined shape of the transfer printing sheet for the front surface, using computer graphics, so that transfer printing can be performed without interference on the rear surface of the steering wheel rim where a steering column attachment portion protrudes, performing transfer printing on all transfer printing po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Youn-Soo Cho
  • Patent number: 6723479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing a decorative coating or text or the like on articles, like shavers, GSM's, cards, etc. The coating comprises a region-wise optically modified (patterned) cholesteric liquid crystalline layer, which is transferred onto a surface of the article by means of a transfer operation. The so-called in-mold decoration technique has been found to be very advantageous for the transfer of decorative (patterned) cholesteric liquid crystalline layers. In this technique the layer is (releasably) deposited on a plastic carrier foil and provided with a layer of adhesive. The assembly is inserted in an injection mold before the injection molding of polymer material starts. In this way decorative coatings (e.g. multi color images) and texts or the like can be even applied onto, non-even and slightly curved substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Van De Witte, Johan Lub
  • Patent number: 6719866
    Abstract: A steering wheel rim for an automobile is manufactured by attaching a masking tape to a boundary portion of the steering wheel rim, marking a conjunction line using a blade in a middle portion the masking tape and detaching a lower half portion of the masking tape, covering an upper portion of the masking tape with a protective masking tape, performing transfer printing on a surface lower than the conjunction line, cleaning and drying the transfer-printed surface, and removing the masking tape and the protective masking tape. Another masking tape is attached to a first transfer printing boundary portion of the steering wheel rim, a separation line is marked using a blade at a position about 0.05-0.2 mm lower than the conjunction line and removing the upper half of the masking tape is removed, the lower portion of the masking tape is covered with another protective masking tape, and transfer printing is performed on an upper surface above the conjunction line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Youn-Soo Cho
  • Publication number: 20040060646
    Abstract: By increasing the quantity of resin binder of at least one of conductive paste and ceramic green sheet, adhesion between conductive film and the ceramic green sheet is improved when an intaglio filled with the conductive paste is hot pressed on the ceramic green sheet. As a result, transfer failure at intaglio transfer is removed and internal fracture of the ceramic green sheet is suppressed. Also, by coating an adhesive layer on an intaglio filled with conductive paste, adhesion with ceramic green sheet is improved and transfer failure at intaglio transfer is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Hashimoto, Masaaki Katsumata
  • Patent number: 6709541
    Abstract: A method and device for applying a graphic from a carrier sheet to a receiving substrate. A press roll, mateingly aligned to a support surface, is made to traverse the support surface in a reciprocating manner while applying controlled pressure. A flexible web is attached and held stationary at one end of the support surface, wrapped around the press roll, and fixed to a tensioning device that allows movement of the web under tension. The web is adhesively coated on the side opposite the press roll. When pulled across the work surface by the press roll, the adhesive face of the web comes in contact with the graphic and is removed from the carrier sheet. The web is reversed and the graphic is peeled away from the work surface and the carrier sheet by the tensioning device. The carrier sheet is removed, replaced by the receiving substrate, and the cycle is repeated applying the graphic to the receiving substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Brian J. Slone
  • Patent number: 6702968
    Abstract: Electrical circuit elements such as electrically conductive strips are permanently applied to the surface of polyolefin parts, such as polyethylene parts which are manufactured by rotational molding, by use of a transfer which can be applied to the interior surface of a rotational mold at the start of the molding cycle or can be applied to the molded part after its formation. The transfer comprises a carrier sheet on which the conductive circuit elements are printed with a mixture of wax or polyethylene powders containing from 30 to about 60 weight percent of conductive particles, preferably metal flakes. After application, the carrier sheet is removed and the conductive circuit elements are permanently incorporated into the surface of the polyethylene part by heating, either during the rotational molding cycle or by post-cycle heating of the formed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert Alan Reeves
  • Publication number: 20040040647
    Abstract: The invention is a process for forming a press proof (190) by forming an imaged receiver sheet (140) comprising a first thermoplastic layer (240) and a first support layer (160) by disposing an image (290) with a first density on the first thermoplastic layer (240) by using a laser thermal transfer (220); forming a pre-laminate comprising a second thermoplastic layer (250) and a second support layer (170); laminating the pre-laminate (260) to a medium and removing the second support layer (170) forming a supported pre-laminate (270); laminating the imaged receiver sheet (140) to the supported pre-laminate (270) changing the density of the image to a second density using a temperature that exceeds the glass transition point of the thermoplastic layer (230) and a speed of between 10 and 40 inches per minute forming a supported color proof (310); and removing the first support forming a color proof (300).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Roger S. Kerr
  • Publication number: 20040031558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the connection of components, in particular micro-structured plastic components, whereby the adhesive is first applied to a support film, allowed to harden thereon and subsequently transferred to the micro-structured component The components are finally brought together. Said method avoids the ingress of adhesive into the channel system on applying the adhesive layer to the microstructured component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Matthias Johnck
  • Patent number: 6691759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making and/or decorating bowling balls and the like includes flexible transfer sheets with heat-activated ink applied to at least portions thereof. A form or mold with opposite halves, which shift between open and closed positions, includes a cavity sized to closely receive therein the article to be decorated. At least one transfer sheet is positioned in the mold with the article, such that when the mold is closed, the same are captured in the mold cavity in an overlying relationship. Heat is applied to the mold to a predetermined temperature causing the article to expand through thermal expansion, which expansion is resisted by the mold to uniformly press the transfer sheet against the underlying outer surface of the article, and also causing the heat-activated ink to transfer from the transfer sheet to the outer surface of the article to form the design thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billards Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred J. Dabrowski, Jr., Daniel L. LaPres, Phillip G. Syer
  • Patent number: 6692604
    Abstract: A method for verifying an image (210) on a printing plate comprising the steps of: an overlay (310) forming the method consisting of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer; laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170), which is preferably clear with the imaged receiver sheet (140), thereby encapsulating the image (210) between the first thermal print layer (224) and the second thermal print layer (228); removing the first support layer (150); removing the second support layer (170); adhering an overlay (310) to a printing plate having an image (210), using an electrostatic charge; and viewing the overlay (310) against the image (210) on the printing plate for image quality and content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Roger S. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6692605
    Abstract: A method for forming an overlay (310); to be used to verify or form a folding die (300), embossing die (330), or rule die (320) comprising the steps of; creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer, laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170), which is preferably clear with the imaged receiver sheet (140), thereby encapsulating the image (210) between the first thermal print layer (224) and the second thermal print layer (228); removing the first support layer (150); removing the second support layer (170); forming an overlay (310) having an electrostatic charge; to be used to verify or form a folding die (300), embossing die (330), or rule die (320).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, William L. DeMarco
  • Publication number: 20040026017
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing an image on one or more surfaces of a wood or wood composite substrate by applying a receptor coat to at least the one or more surfaces of the substrate, transferring the image to the receptor coat using a variety of image transfer processes and applying a topcoat to the image and receptor coat. The system implements the above method using a series of stations and includes a series of platens connected together by a chain and a set of rollers that allow the substrate to travel through the stations on the platens. The resulting wood or wood composite product includes a substrate, a receptor coat disposed on one or more surfaces of the substrate, an image disposed on or within the one or more surfaces of the receptor coat and a top coat disposed on the image and receptor coat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Dene H. Taylor, Jon H. Hardesty, Evan R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 6685868
    Abstract: A colored substrate is positioned between a material and a laser, and the material is scribed with a laser that has been directed through the colored substrate. By so doing, color is transferred to the material to form the color graphic without undesirably carbonizing, melting or burning through the material. The energy density per unit time can be defined as continuous power divided by the area of the spot and the speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Darryl Costin
  • Patent number: 6682624
    Abstract: An informational card is disclosed incorporating a plurality of separable, functional articles that are removable from such card and capable of being applied to a separate article or articles, either independently of, or in conjunction with each other. The removable articles, such as a patch, embroidered emblem, heat transfer or the like, may be removed from the card and adhesively or heat applied to a separate article, with indicia that bears some relation to the information conveyed on the card. One of the removable articles has a cutout to accommodate the placement of a first removable article during the conjunctive application of a series of removable articles to an article separate and distinct from the informational card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: David G. Schlier
  • Patent number: 6679968
    Abstract: A laser laminar structure is formed by coating each side of a thin substrate with a bonding resin layer, and then coating each bonding resin layer with a molding resin layer; attaching a transparent laser film provided with fine grooves of a laser image presenting figure, characters or logos to an outer surface of each molding resin layer, so that each molding resin layer is formed at superficial portion with fine lines corresponding to the fine grooves of the laser image on the laser film; baking the molding resin layers at high temperature to harden the fine lines formed thereon; and releasing the transparent laser films from the molding resin layers to provide a thermostable laser laminar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: K Laser Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsiu Chen
  • Patent number: 6676792
    Abstract: Process for variously decorating sections made of plastic materials, composite materials and the like, comprising a step of pre-treatment for the preparation of the surface, a possible step of pre-painting, a possible step of pre-heating, a step of decoration by transfer from a strip-like flexible support unwinding continuously from a first coil through the action of at least a rotating nip roll, suitably shaped, heated and thermostated, and lastly a possible step of sublimation and fixing, to obtain the transfer of the decoration and the polymerization of colors. Apparatus for the formation of the decoration, comprising a first coil from which a flexible support unwinds at least a rotating nip roll, shaped according to the section to be decorated, heated and thermostated, and at least a second coil for the rewinding of the flexible strip, once the decoration layer and the protection layer have been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Verniciatura Industriale Veneta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Fenzi
  • Patent number: 6660120
    Abstract: An adhesive transfer device and method for selectively making a repositionably adherable substrate from a selected substrate are disclosed. The device comprises a base substrate, a layer of repositionable adhesive disposed on the base substrate, a layer of permanent adhesive adjacent to the repositionable layer opposite the base substrate, and structure providing a release surface. The base substrate and the structure providing the release surface can be moved apart so as to leave both of the adhesive layers on the base substrate with the permanent layer exposed, thereby enabling the selected substrate to be adhered to the exposed permanent layer. The base substrate and the selected substrate can be moved apart from one another so as to separate the base substrate from the repositionable layer and leaving both the adhesive layers on the selected substrate with the repositionable layer exposed, thereby allowing the selected substrate to be repositionably adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Neuburger, Franklin C. Bradshaw, Robert V. O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 6656231
    Abstract: A dyeing method of dyeing a plastic lens includes: a step of placing the lens in a predetermined position in a vacuum vapor-deposition device; a step of placing a base body to be used for a dyeing operation in the vapor-deposition device, the base body being applied with dyeing solutions each containing a dissolved or fine-grained dispersed sublimatable dye to form a dye application area on the base body, and the base body being arranged so that the dye application area faces the lens without contact therewith; a step of heating the base body under vacuum in the vapor-deposition device, thereby sublimating the dye of the dye application area to vapor-deposit the sublimated dye on the lens; and a step of heating the lens on which the dye has been vapor-deposited at changing heating temperatures, thereby fixing the dye on the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Inuzuka
  • Patent number: 6656306
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for preparing a pressure and/or heat applied image transfer sheet and applying an image therefrom to a target surface comprising: applying an image layer to an image area of an image release system on a support, the image release system comprising an image release surface; applying a pressure and/or heat activated adhesive layer over i) the image release system including the image area, and/or ii) at least a portion of the target surface, which adhesive layer adheres more strongly to the image layer than the image layer does to the release surface; contacting, with the application of pressure and/or heat, the target surface and the image transfer sheet such that the dried adhesive layer attaches only in the image area to i) the target surface and/or ii) the image transfer sheet; and peeling off the support together with the adhesive layer except for the image area which is left attached to the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Focal Design Studios Limited
    Inventor: Robert John Mabbott
  • Patent number: 6652698
    Abstract: An installation for manufacturing personalized coupons comprises a set of work stations with at least a feed station (110) for supplying blank coupons (C), a personalization station (120) for personalizing blank coupons (C), and a cutting-out station (130) for cutting out personalized coupons (C). A system for transporting coupons (C) between the various work stations (110, 120, 170) comprises at least one chain (1) driven in indexed manner by motor-driven sprocket wheels (2), and a set of clamps (5) mounted at a constant pitch on links of the chain (1) and co-operating with opening/closing means (37) placed in fixed positions, so that each clamp takes hold of an individual blank coupon (C), transports said coupon (C) between the various work stations, and releases the coupon (C) in a station (180) for collecting the finished or semi-finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Identis
    Inventors: Jacques Tisserand, Georges Tisserand
  • Patent number: 6649004
    Abstract: An image forming method for forming an image on an optical disk includes forming the image on an intermediate transfer medium or on an image receptive layer separably formed on one surface of the intermediate transfer medium. The intermediate transfer medium and the optical disk are laid so that the surface of the intermediate transfer medium carrying the image and the surface of the optical disk are in close contact with each other. Heat and/or pressure is applied to the intermediate transfer medium to transfer the image or the image receptive layer carrying the image to the optical disk to form a label on the optical disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kita, Naoji Shibasaki, Takeshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 6638682
    Abstract: A method for applying an image to a receptor element, which comprises the steps of (i) providing a transfer sheet comprising a support having a first surface and a second surface, and a coating capable of receiving an image on the first surface of the support, (ii) imaging the coating, (iii) dry peeling the coating from the support in the absence of wet release prior to hand ironing, (iv) positioning the dry peeled coating on a receptor element having valleys or pores, (v) positioning a non-stick sheet on the dry peeled coating which is positioned on the receptor element having valleys or pores, and (vi) heating the non-stick sheet to drive the dry peeled coating into the receptor element having valleys or pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Foto-Wear!, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Hare, Scott A. Williams
  • Patent number: 6635138
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of immobilizing the fingers of circuitry. A coating is formed of a liquid adhesive on the surface of a release film in a pattern of strips in positions perpendicular to and across the positions the fingers of the circuitry will have when the pattern of adhesive is bonded to it. The coating is rendered non-tacky and is bonded across and between the fingers and the release film is removed from the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Company Limited
    Inventor: Jin-O Choi
  • Patent number: 6635142
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a decorated substrate comprising the steps of: submitting the substrate to a treatment to prepare its surface for the application of a coating; applying a coating to the surface of the substrate in one or more cycles; covering the surface of the substrate with a sheet comprising a decoration which is to be transferred to the surface of the substrate; and heating the substrate and the sheet comprising the decoration to effect the transfer of the decoration from the sheet onto the substrate. In this process, the coating is cured using electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength shorter than 400 nm, until a coating is obtained having a Tg between 50 and 130° C. and a scar resistance at 200° C. of at least 3N and wherein the temperature during the transfer of the decoration to the substrate is from 180 to 220° C. The process is particularly suited to the decoration of heat sensitive substrates, like MDF or wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Vladimir Stula, Tullio Rossini
  • Patent number: 6632507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a decorative laminate lay-up including a decorative laminate sheet assembly having a top layer and a polypropylene release sheet applied to the top layer of the decorative laminate sheet assembly. The polypropylene release sheet is a cast polypropylene release sheet formed with a holographic transfer image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Benton, Dorothy Tepera Palmer
  • Patent number: 6630049
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hannington, Pradeep Iyer
  • Patent number: 6616786
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a returnable plastic crate provided on at least one surface with an ink only label that is removable without destructive treatment of the said surface, said label being adhered to said at least one surface by an activated adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Patrick Johannes Blom, Erwin Anton Rosens, Thomas Lynn Brandt, Daniel Nathaniel Wilkens
  • Patent number: 6610164
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of selectively coating wood composites in a single step, while maintaining registration of the coating to the design of the molded or contoured wood composite. The invention also is directed to a structure provided by preparing a wood composite according to the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Karine A. Luetgert, Raymond H. Pittman
  • Patent number: 6599383
    Abstract: The present application discloses a film comprising a first layer formed from a first extruded and solidified material and a second layer formed from a second extruded and solidified material. The first material has a lower coefficient of friction when solidified than the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Terphane Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Wood, Jr., Claudio de Moraes Paulino
  • Patent number: 6599385
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a multi-layer optical information record carrier, which has a plurality of layers of reflecting surfaces with pits for recording information. According to the method, a reflective layer is first coated on a stamper with a pit pattern. A radiation-setting adhesive polymer resin is then applied on a substrate with another pit pattern and coated with a partial reflective layer. The substrate and the stamper are combined together and the resin is cured by ultraviolet light. After peeling off the stamper, two reflective layers are formed on the substrate. Finally, two of the substrates are adhered together using polymer resin and one obtains a multi-layer optical information record carrier with dual information layers on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wen-Yih Liao, Der-Ray Huang, Tzuan-Ren Jeng, Chien-Liang Huang, Huei-Wen Yang, Po-Fu Yen
  • Patent number: 6596116
    Abstract: A process for transferring a decorative sublimation dye design formed on a transfer sheet to a continuous laminate by applying a sheet of cellulose web material impregnated with a thermosetting resin to a surface of a backer sheet to form a pre-laminate. A release sheet is applied to the exposed surface of the sheet of cellulose web material. The transfer sheet bearing the decorative sublimation dye design is applied to the exposed surface of the release sheet. Heat and pressure are applied to the pre-laminate layered with the release and transfer sheets, causing the cellulose web material to seep into the pores of the backer sheet to form a thermofused continuous laminate, and causing the design on the transfer sheet penetrates the thermofused continuous laminate through a sublimation process. The release and transfer sheets are then separated from the thermofused continuous laminate showing the transferred design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Macedo
  • Publication number: 20030121598
    Abstract: A pattern-transferring film having a print pattern provided on an upper surface thereof is floated on a liquid surface within a transferring bath and an objective body is immersed into a liquid within the transferring bath together with the pattern transferring film under a liquid pressure so as to transfer the print pattern onto the objective body. The print pattern is obtained by being printed by using an optional printing ink or inks of blue, yellow, red black and white inks or an ink or inks prepared by blending the printing inks. The liquid pressure pattern-transferring ink or inks comprise at least a resin ingredient and a color pigment. The resin ingredient of each of the color inks is composed of a fluoropolymer resin and the color pigment of each of the color inks is an inorganic pigment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Otaki, Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Misao Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6582803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ink-jet transfer media that can be printed with images using ink-jet printers. The printed image can be thermally transferred to fabric materials such as black or white colored T-shirts. The ink-jet transfer media of this invention comprise a support paper containing independently removable panels. Each removable panel is capable of being peeled away from the film coating. The removable panels are divided by means of a peel line in the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Arkwright Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert Cole, Phillip Wheeler, Zhong Xu, Shengmei Yuan
  • Patent number: 6579398
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an optical waveguide, capable of easily manufacturing an optical waveguide which can hold an excellent light propagating characteristic irrespective of the kind of a supporting substrate. On a transparent substrate, a peelability promoting film obtained by setting silicone oil and an optical waveguide made of an epoxy resin are sequentially formed. The peelability promoting film promotes the peelability between the transparent substrate and the optical waveguide with sufficient adhesion that it is not peeled off from the transparent substrate during formation of the optical waveguide. Subsequently, after adhering a multilayer wiring board to the optical waveguide via an adhering layer made of a photosetting resin, the adhering layer is irradiated with light so as to be set, thereby fixing the multilayer wiring board to the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6579400
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for non-toxic transfer-printing of images onto a surface of a workpiece. The patterns or characters to be printed are first formed on a transferring medium using a non-toxic ink, and then the non-toxic ink patterns or characters are separated form the transferring medium with water and placed on the workpiece, which is then fixed so that the patterns or characters are transferred onto the workpiece surface firmly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Chit-Ho Tam
  • Patent number: 6579397
    Abstract: An automotive quality paint coat (44) is laminated to the exterior surface of a molded plastic car body member or panel (118). In one embodiment, the paint coat (44) includes an exterior clear coat (45) above a color coat (46). During processing, the clear coat (45) and color coat (46) are each coated on a temporary flexible casting sheet (42) and dried. A high gloss surface is transferred to the clear coat (45) from the casting sheet (42). The paint coat (44) is then transferred from the casting sheet (42) to a thin, semi-flexible thermoformable plastic backing sheet (72) by dry paint transfer-laminating techniques. The resulting laminate (70) is thermoformed into a complex three-dimensional shape of the car body member or panel. The preformed laminate (116) is then bonded to an underlying plastic substrate material, by injection-clading techniques, for example, to form the finished article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Leon Spain, Keith Lawson Truog
  • Patent number: 6579395
    Abstract: A method of producing a water slide transfer, whereby a design is formed on a backing paper with a soluble release layer thereon, a covercoat is formed on a release paper, one combination is caused by placing the two papers on top of each other with the covercoat adjacent the design, with heat and/or pressure being applied such that the covercoat locates onto the design and can be freed from the release paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Polycarta Limited
    Inventor: Robert William Smith
  • Patent number: 6569277
    Abstract: A method allowing high definition printing of images including photographic prints and computer images onto a variety of natural and man made substrates to create unique art objects and articles of manufacture that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to create. The process can even be utilized to transfer high definition images to such unlikely materials as tree leaves, making it possible to create highly unique art objects, and utilitarian objects such as place marker “leaves” at a dinner table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Melinda Earl Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6565694
    Abstract: Laminating a pre-press proof (200) onto a coated metal plate (340), consisting of the steps of: laminating a pre-laminate sheet (240) to a coated metal plate (340). Removing the first support layer (150) forming a pre-laminated receiver stock (230). Creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) laminating the imaged receiver sheet (140) to the pre-laminated receiver stock (230) thereby encapsulating the representative image (290) and removing the second support layer (170) forming a pre-press proof (200) onto a coated metal plate (340).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, David A. Niemeyer, Larry R. Gartz
  • Patent number: 6565693
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating a mould-imparted texture including applying a textured skin to a moulding from a pre-textured mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Eschmann-Stahl GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Nigel Brooke
  • Patent number: 6562172
    Abstract: A method for decorating a vitreous substrate with a radiation curable ink composition, comprising applying an ink composition comprised of an N-vinyl lactam to the glass in a predetermined design, the ink being operable when cured to bond to the vitreous substrate, curing the ink on the vitreous substrate by exposing it to the radiation by which it is curable, thereby bonding the ink composition to the substrate; and a method for decorating a vitreous substrate with hot stamping foil comprising applying an ink composition comprised of an N-vinyl lactam to the glass in a predetermined design, the ink being operable when cured to bond to the vitreous substrate, curing the ink on the vitreous substrate by exposing it to the radiation by which it is curable, thereby bonding the ink composition to the substrate, pressing a sheet of hot stamping foil against the substrate with a die heated to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the hot stamping foil to adhere to the heated, cured, ink design but not to t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Deco Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin Edwin Kamen, Ming Hu
  • Patent number: 6558497
    Abstract: A method of applying a decorative color to a thermoplastic strip suited for use to produce slats for blinds is characterized by the use of a heat sensitive printing paper of the type normally used to color the fabric material from which valances are generally made. By using that type of color transferring medium to color the thermoplastic slats it becomes possible, for instance, to manufacture blind slats having the same color as the fabric valance to be hung decoratively from the window for which the blind is to be installed. There is also disclosed a blind structure for attenuating the flapping noise produced when the slats enter in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Marco-Carmine Franco, Sandro Franco
  • Patent number: 6554940
    Abstract: A pattern-transferring film having a print pattern provided on an upper surface thereof is floated on a liquid surface within a transferring bath and an objective body is immersed into a liquid within the transferring bath together with the pattern transferring film under a liquid pressure so as to transfer the print pattern onto the objective body. The print pattern is obtained by being printed by using an optional printing ink or inks of blue, yellow, red black and white inks or an ink or inks prepared by blending the printing inks. The liquid pressure pattern-transferring ink or inks comprise at least a resin ingredient and a color pigment. The resin ingredient of each of the color inks is composed of a fluoropolymer resin and the color pigment of each of the color inks is an inorganic pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Cubic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Otaki, Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Misao Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6554941
    Abstract: Method for laminating a pre-press proof (200), whereby an imaged receiver sheet (140) with a representative image (290) having been written with an incorrect orientation can be salvaged, which comprises the steps of laminating a pre-laminate sheet (240) to a sheet of receiver stock and removing the first support layer (150). Laminating an imaged receiver sheet (140) consisting of a representative image (290) that has been formed with an incorrect orientation on a second thermoplastic layer (304) and a second support layer (170) to an imageless receiver sheet (160) consisting of a third thermoplastic layer (306) and a third support layer (180). Thereby encapsulating the representative image (290) between the second thermoplastic layer (304) and third thermoplastic layer (306) and removing the second support layer (170) forming a laminated imaged receiver sheet (190).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Roger S. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6544369
    Abstract: Thin film-like material that has printability, that can have unique surface patterns of various kinds, and that can have a design having an effect that has been never produced, and process of producing it are provided. The thin film-like material has a laminated structure in which an adhesive layer and a metal thin layer are laid in this order on the entire surface or parts of the surface of one or each of opposite sides of a base material A surface of the metal thin layer is formed by transfer process as a smooth surface having a mirror pattern, a surface having a mat pattern, a surface having a hairline pattern, a surface having an embossed pattern, a surface having a hologram pattern or a surface having two or more of those patterns combined appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignees: Japan Tobacco Inc., JT Prosprint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kitamura, Shigenobu Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6544371
    Abstract: A method of securing semiconductor chips comprises the steps of: sticking semiconductor chips at their backs to a transfer tape having an adhesive superimposed thereon at spaced intervals; peeling the semiconductor chips from the transfer tape such that the adhesive is transferred onto the backs of the semiconductor chips; and securing the semiconductor chips by way of the adhesive onto a substrate. The method also includes variations such as sticking the transfer tape to a substrate at predetermined sites for securing semiconductor chips and then peeling the base material of the transfer tape to transfer the adhesive to the predetermined sites on the substrate, followed by securing the semiconductor chips thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Senoo, Yoshihisa Mineura
  • Patent number: 6544370
    Abstract: The present invention is a puff heat transfer, a puff transfer composition, and a method of applying a puff heat transfer. The puff transfer composition, i.e., ink, is actually loaded with the color. In particular, the transfer composition comprises a puff base material and at least one pigment concentrate. The puff base material is preferably included in an amount of at least about 85% by weight. On the other hand, the pigment concentrate is preferably in a total amount of about 15% by weight or less. The transfer composition is deposited on a transfer sheet to make the heat transfer. The transfer sheet is a substrate that is preferably treated with quillon. By using a substrate sheet that is treated with quillon, the puff of the present invention has an improved, velvet-like feel when the transfer sheet is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Impulse Wear, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Roberts, Lawrence M. Levine
  • Patent number: 6540860
    Abstract: With a transfer member, such as a toner sheet, provided with at least two layers including an intermediate layer having a function of preventing transfer of a substance and a thermally fusible ink layer on the supporting member side, and an image receiving member, such as image receiving sheet, used, a solution for improving the transfer sensitivity is jetted onto either of them according to the image so as to form a transfer image on the image receiving member surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Suzuki